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Liked It5 of 6 members found this review helpful “This is an utterly fascinating book on so many levels it’s hard to count. As a memoir, this chronicle of Hirsi’s journey from the good daughter of a Muslim Somali family to her current role as an outspoken critic of Islam who lives under 24-hour armed guard is gripping. The stories of trauma she...” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“Ayaan is a compelling and honest writer. Her story is bold, straight-forward and anguishing. Provides an eye-opening and transparent view of Islam, the Muslim word and the treatment of women.”
Lyndsie P wrote this review 6 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“A wonderful, informative book about the lives of women in the Moslem world. She transforms herself from the woman she was raised to be to the woman she chose to be. ”
Genncis R wrote this review 7 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Ayaan is a very strong woman who had the courage to fight against the violence that women in her country, culture and native religion suffers. It's a book that you starts reading and can't stop until you're done. ”
Lenir C wrote this review 12 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“great read - very intense at times. explores women and bias against women under the guise of religion. will cause the reader to reflect on own values and what those values mean.....”
Barb S wrote this review 2 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Recommended by Robin”
Jennifer N wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Very disturbing, and a wake up call for all of us to be benevolent and wise. To import fundamentalist behaviors without thoughtful engagement, is leading to chaotic outcomes in a variety of countries.”
BellinghamBarbara wrote this review Wednesday, November 25 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This book radically changed my view of Islam, and the philosophy of multiculturalism. Ali has a thoroughly interesting life story, as well as ideological evolution which led her to go from being a young member of the Muslim Brotherhood to an outspoken critic of Islam and member of the Dutch parliament. Ali is a modern day hero, her story is utterly fascinating, and I strongly recommend this book to anyone and everyone.”
Joseph S wrote this review Wednesday, November 25 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Amazing life she led. Unbelievable that cultures with that mindset still exist.”
Karen H wrote this review Thursday, November 19 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“For those who are listening may find that Ayaans accent gets in the way of understanding - I stayed with it nonetheless and I adapted to it. She speaks of many names of family, clans which seem to dominate initially. After the 3rd chapter, it was much easier to understand and the book’s message is so worthwhile, so important to really understand what one might just imagine. I'm glad that I persevered - I still think about her visit and stay at the refugee camps to find the family of her brother - I have never heard from anyone who has discussed this before. Also the message she is attempting to convey about a country (for example, Holland) that accepts a large number of Islamic immigrants and overlooks the fact that they are still subscribing to their "policy" of horrific lack of women's rights, no free speech, etc. Ayaan feels that it is very important that a country does not overlook the practices that are alien and are illegal in the host country in fear of sounding racist - turning a blind eye to those who no only do not assimilate but continue on, business as usual, with complete lack of democracy.”
Starlet wrote this review Sunday, November 15 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“So so thought provoking - and incredibly graphic at times. I listened as an audiobook and it was incredibly powerful. At the end, it sometimes becomes preachy and didactic, which gets a little tedious, but really an incredible story.”
Phenonemom J wrote this review Thursday, November 12 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
